Political Arena

Later this year we’re going to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the “Contract with America,” the now famous document which was used by Congressional Republicans to win a majority in both houses of Congress in the 1994 election.

While the Democrats were able to wrest back control of the U.S. Senate at times in the years that followed, the House stayed in GOP hands for twelve straight years. Then in 2000 George W. Bush won the White House. Republicans proved they could win power. Unfortunately, they also proved they didn’t know how to use that power to advance an agenda.

This week the National Review’s Corner Blog featured these quotes from Republican U.S. Senators on the “stimulus” bill – they were posted by David Freddoso:

Sen. Tom Coburn (R., Okla.): “This is about spending money we don’t have, for things we don’t need. That’s 80 percent of this bill . . . This bill is the generational theft bill. It’s denying wealth to future generations.”

Americans who look to government for a paycheck or a handout or to advance a radical social agenda are much more likely to be drawn to political activism than those who do not.

Most people who support limiting government and traditional values are typically raising their kids, working to make ends meet, building their businesses, enjoying life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – and they prefer that the government get out of their way and leave them alone.

Last time I left off with a reference to the Obama political machine. That machine is outlined in several recent articles – here are examples:

“Retooling Obama’s campaign machine for the long haul”

“Obama’s Army of Lobbyists”

It’s evident that those who support President Barack Obama’s policies as stated on thewww.whitehouse.gov website are serious about advancing an agenda. It’s too bad our Republican leaders weren’t as committed when they held power during the Bush-Hastertyears.

The threat of the re-imposition of what is called the “Fairness Doctrine” is real, and the Democrats running the federal government must be fought all the way on this issue. In addition to that important struggle, however, I’d like to suggest that the political right must not only fight to keep conservative talk radio but to improve it as well.

Last year Newt Gingrich said this:

“Well, I hate to say it this way, but Republican politicians don’t like to think. I think as a group, they get together and chant slogans. And they find it very hard to pay attention to the serious fundamental lessons that are necessary.”

Last weekend on the way to Washington to be sworn in as the 44th president, Barack Obama said something about the need for a new Declaration of Independence. I’ll let you figure out what he meant by that, since I think the original is just fine. Read it hereand see if you don’t agree.

Syndicated columnist Cal Thomas recently interviewed Louisiana GovernorBobby Jindal, a man that many people (including me) see as the future of the Republican Party. I like the idea of a then-41 year old Jindal taking on the then 51-year old Barack Obama in 2012. Jindal’s message – it’s time for change we can see, not just believe in.

Barack Obama and his team are on the verge once again of making him into a parody of himself. Last year it was his promise to stop the ocean levels from rising, and the rather humorous claim that “we are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”

Occasionally I find myself reading something written by the Chicago Tribune’s Eric Zorn – today I was lured in by this headline:

“Deb Mell hits for the sleaze cycle on her first day in Springfield”

Zorn is a writer who exemplifies a generation that seems to get most of its news and information from liberal blogs and The Daily Show. There’s an “I’m so enlightened and cool” tone that comes through on Zorn’s pages – it often reminds me of junior high school.

It’s assumed that Rod Blagojevich’s days in the state’s top job are numbered, and then the new governor and the legislature will have to decide how they’re going to tackle Illinois’ problems – all of which, they’ll no doubt blame on poor Rod.